The flu has made its way to Central Texas, and so has the flu vaccine. Walgreens, CVS and Randall’s have just received shipments of the flu vaccine this week. It’s just in time for the start of school, says nurse practitioner and district manager for CVS’s Minute Clinics Elizabeth Rowe, RN, MSN, CPNP.
“Especially since we are already seeing Influenza A in our market, and if kids start going back to school and they start getting it they are going to spread it among each other and be bringing home to their families,” Rowe says.
Rowe was one of the first in line to get her flu shot. It's part of her job to be vaccinated against the flu, although she admits she’s not a big fan of getting shots.
“Oh I hate shots,” Rowe said. “I absolutely hate them!”
It’s a sentiment shared by Texas MedClinic patient Ckayla Cadriel, The eighth grader is relieved her visit doesn’t involve any shots, at least this day.
“I don't like needles,” Cardiel says.
Instead she is weighing in and reading an eye chart, as part of her school-required physical in order to play sports.
“I am going to have an athletic physical because I want to play basketball this year,” Cardiel says.
For students including Cardiel, the flu shot is optional, but is recommended as they get their required vaccines for school. Another new required shot this year is the meningitis vaccine for seventh and eighth graders and college students living in dorms.
While Cardiel escaped getting the flu vaccine this trip to the doctor, it's on her mother's mind.
“I am surprised it's already out, I didn't know,” Luanna Ayala said. “But yeah, they definitely will be getting it this year.”
Ayala says she will bring her daughters back to the clinic in a few weeks for the flu vaccine, after school starts.
Students in need of last-minute vaccinations may find them Sunday in urgent care clinics and in-store clinics at stores such as Walgreen’s and CVS. Those clinics are preparing to be busy on Monday and Tuesday, as schools have notified parents that they will send students home if they do not have their required vaccinations for the start of school.
